1. Desperate for the Lord's help (Psalm 130:1)

Very difficult or oppressive situations make us very vulnerable. We need Him. We know that if He does not help us, then we will go down under.

2. Dependent on God for daily needs (Psalm 130:2).

Jesus quoted the OT in Matthew 4:4, "MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD." Note how man is dependent every day for God's Word. If you believe it, then you will not go a day without deeply drinking God's Word into your spiritual life.

3. Sensitive to our sin (Psalm 130:3,4)

Someone came to me confessing their hidden sin. It took them about 20 hours before they could humble their heart and confess their offense. How long does it take you to confess your sins before God and others? Cut down the time it takes. If our hearts harden themselves toward God, then we will not be able to meet with God.

4. Confident of forgiveness (Psalm 130:4)

Some people get hung up on whether they feel forgiven. They condemn themselves and even though forgiven, they still act as if they are not. The psalmist says, "But there is forgiveness with Thee, That Thou mayest be feared."

Romans 5:1-2 "Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God."

5. Waiting for the Lord (Psalm 130:5-6)

The Lord wants us to wait for Him. This is the way He tests our hearts. Remember how King Saul got impatient with God's ways when things were not done in his own time (cf. 1 Samuel 13:10)?

6. Hope and expectation from God (Psalm 130:7-8)

We need to be honest as to what we expect when we meet with God. Positive thinkers are wrong in thinking their thoughts control events. They are right, though, in linking the faith of a person with what he in the end receives. Read the psalmist's response in verses 7-8.

He does not just think the Lord will make things okay, but He has such confidence in the Lord about his situation that he encourages everyone around him to hope in God. His hope does not make God do anything. Instead his hope tunes him in to God's purpose and ways.